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The Pirate Bay torrents printable 3D objects

Yarr! Getting physical with small plastic models

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Tremble, thing-makers, because The Pirate Bay has started to share the source files for physical objects.

The controversial file-sharing site, known for aiding the distribution of music tracks, films and books, has decided to start a new category for files of 3D objects.

Only those with 3D printers will be able to make use of the files, but when they do, they'll be able to print out small plastic models like there's no tomorrow.

Pirate Bay has started a new category for data files for 3D models and is calling them Physibles, the site announced on its blog.

We believe that the next step in copying will be made from digital form into physical form. It will be physical objects. Or as we decided to call them: Physibles. Data objects that are able (and feasible) to become physical.

If Pirate Bay's effect on the music industry is anything to go by, the impact of this on the small plastic model industry could be catastrophic.

Though few people have 3D printers, the devices are likely to become much more popular as they get cheaper and become capable of producing more things. Currently the printers can't make much more than plastic desk toys, but The Pirate Bay predicts a future where print-outs will replace shopping:

We believe that things like three dimensional printers, scanners and such are just the first step. We believe that in the nearby future you will print your spare parts for your vehicles. You will download your sneakers within 20 years.